Probiotics In Acute Diarrhea 1wk Is Not Recommended

The American College of Gastroenterology has released new guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of acute diarrhea and travelers’s diarrhea. http://goo.gl/bAswnG

While most of the recommendations are directed to physicians, one point stands out to patients: prebiotics or probiotics are NOT recommended, unless the diarrhea is caused by antibiotics upsetting the normal gut flora (bacteria that usually live in the intestines). Most times , one can adequately rehydrate with water, juice such as dilute apple juice, sports drinks, soups, and salty crackers.

Should you make an appt? See your physician if you have:

• bloody diarrhea,
• severe diarrhea disease not responding to 2-3 days of OTC treatment [such as loperamide, bismuth, immodium, pepto bismol],
• dehydration (no urine output > 8 hrs),
• symptom duration >7 days.